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Policy areas

The EU maintains diplomatic relations with nearly all countries in the world. It has strategic partnerships with key international players, is deeply engaged with emerging powers around the globe, and has signed bilateral Association Agreements with a number of states in its vicinity.

Focuses on the stabilisation of the region, in political, economic, and security related terms. The EU's own stability is built on democracy, human rights and the rule of law and the policy will continue to make the case for these universal values.

Through its development cooperation policy, the EU contributes to reduce poverty in the world, to ensure sustainable economic, social and environmental development, and promotes democracy, the rule of law, good governance and the respect of human rights.

EU trade policy sets the direction for trade and investment in and out of the EU. It affects EU citizens and is made with their input so as to reflect EU society's values and interests as a whole. The EU help businesses make the most of global opportunities and aims at boosting growth, jobs, competitiveness and investment in the EU.

An investment in peace, security and stability in Europe: the prospect of EU membership has a powerful transformative effect on the countries in the process, embedding positive democratic, political, economic and societal change.

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Shared Vision, Common Action: A stronger Europe

We need a strong European Union like never before. It is what our citizens deserve and what the wider world expects.

Background

The political crisis in Ukraine, the situation in Syria, the unrest in the Middle East have made it clear that the EU needs a stronger common foreign policy. The EU has a wide range of 'soft power' tools – including trade policy and development aid, coordinated by Federica Mogherini, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

Beyond these tools, those national governments who wish should also pool their defence capabilities, enabling them to participate in joint EU missions – as well as to avoid duplication of programmes and to save money.

Besides foreign policy tools, the European Commission is committed to deliver relief aid to the most vulnerable people caught up in natural or man-made disasters. Assistance is provided via its humanitarian and civil protection tools.